4cyl oil capacity

[dave cardone]

Hi all:

What is the oil change volume without a new filter on a four cyl.? I want to change the oil but it's only been a few hundred miles since the last change. I don't have a filter in hand but I have a case of them on the way. So, what amount fills the crankcase without a filter swap?

David

[superdave]

I really don't see the point in changing oil without a filter. The amount including a filter is 5.4Ltr. I would guess that the filter is about 0.4Ltr.
Hope this helps.


Cheers,


Dave

[karlfranz]

You didn't specify what year 4-cylinder you were asking about. Older 910 engines had a fully dry capacity of 6.86 US quarts and a refill capacity (icluding filter) of 5.7 quarts. Later engines have a much larger oil pan (sump) which increases these capacities to 7.8 quarts dry and 6.7 quarts for refill.

Cheers,

KFM
www.espritfactfile.com

[dave cardone]

Thanks for the replies.

The point is that it's very cold here in Pittsburgh; the oil was last changed last summer with 20W50 by the prior owner; I don't have a filter handy and I want to run a lighter weight oil (5W50 synthetic). There isn't more than 500 miles since the last oil change and I'd rather change it twice than damage the engine in cold weather with heavy oil.

[dr.hess]

You can get a filter about anywhere. WIX 51307. Why not just do it?

Dr.Hess

[dave cardone]

Well, I found a Lotus filer yesterday so no worries. I'm surprised about the willingness to use non-factory oil filters. Unless Wix makes the Lotus filters and Lotus relabels them, I'd be hesitant. I have heard horror stories from people using non factory oil filters available at local parts stores. I am by no means influenced by the fact that a filter says "lotus" on it, but oil filters are the one item that I always get through the manufacturer, whether it was for Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, whatever.

[lotusguy]

dave cardone said:

Well, I found a Lotus filer yesterday so no worries. I'm surprised about the willingness to use non-factory oil filters. Unless Wix makes the Lotus filters and Lotus relabels them, I'd be hesitant. I have heard horror stories from people using non factory oil filters available at local parts stores. I am by no means influenced by the fact that a filter says "lotus" on it, but oil filters are the one item that I always get through the manufacturer, whether it was for Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, whatever.

Dave,

Sorry, but against my better judgement, I have to chime in on this issue. Fact is, paying the $10-$13 for a Lotus brand filter is a ripoff!

There is virtually no difference in choosing a proper aftermarket filter over the stock one. All oil filters do a lousy job of keeping your oil clean. To prove it, look at the oil next time you change it. Fact is, you need to change the oil so often simply to rid the engine of the dirt and moisture which accumulates in the oil not the filter. The oil itself will go well over 10K mi. with little loss of actual lubricating capability, but at 3,000 mi. it becomes so saturated with dirt and moisture that it must be changed, despite having been filtered. The oil filter's responsibility is to collect and hold any chunks - >7 microns and they all do a good job at this.

As far as Lotus is concerned, there are two primary concerns regarding the oil filter, namely flow capacity and anti-drainback capability. In terms of flow capacity, this is easily checked using the oil pressure gauge. If the filter is restrictive, you will see noticeably higher oil pressure as the filter holds back the oil allowing pressure to build up. You will also see a delay in reaching operating oil pressure when starting the car.

So far as anti-drainback capability is concerned, this is accomplished by a small valve which is visible if you were to look down the center hole in the filter. Since 1990, virtually all oil filters made contain this anti-drainback device. You will be hard pressed to find one without it, although they do exist.

The filters made by WIX meet all the requirements for the 9xx engine and are even listed in some earlier service manuals as an alternative. In tests, the WIX filters had the same flow capacities as the 'Lotus' filter, exactly. I use NAPA Gold filters (made by WIX) for $4 with no ill effects whatesoever and have for over 20k mi. using them. I also know several friends who use ther smallest filter available which fits the engine to allow greater access to the distributor, again with no ill effects.

The key is to change the oil no later than the service interval religiously and to use Mobil 1 and a new filter (whatever make) when you do.

All this fuss about Lotus brand filters is simply anecdotal and not borne out in real life. You may know people who've had bad luck, but how can you or they, state categorically the filter is to blame? Could just as easily been a defective filter, which can certainly happen, but I suspect this is more prone to occur on the Lotus brand filter as they produce such a limited supply of them versus aftermarket makers whose filters fill several applications.

If you want it to say Lotus or just feel better (placebic effect) about using them, no matter how misguided your reasoning, go ahead. But with all the other things screaming out for $ on these cars, it makes sense to save where you can and this is one such area. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Monday 16th February 14:28

>> Edited by lotusguy on Monday 16th February 14:30

[cnh1990]

I just use filters for about 4-5 dollars. Doesn't matter as long as they from a reputable maker with the anti drainback. We change them so often anyways and use premium oil.
I use Castrol 5-50 syntec for oil and that is fine for our frigid Minnesota temps. We have a heat wave here it was +9F this morning. The Esprit is still under the cover.
Calvin